An ecclesiastical prince of the Catholic Church. Until the Middle Ages the title of cardinal was granted to the prominent clergy of important churches, e.g., Constantinople, Milan, Naples. Cardinals constitute the senate of the Roman pontiff, advising and assisting the pope in the government of the Church. The pope has the sole right to create cardinals freely, and is not bound by any ruling or interference. Cardinals residing in Rome, Italy are called Cardinals of the Court. The names of the newly created cardinals are usually published at a papalconsistory. A priest who has been created a cardinal for some time, and whose name has not been published by the pope, is called a cardinal in petto (in the bosom).